The transfer had taken some weeks to thrash out and while Lloris was relieved to have finally landed at White Hart Lane, he was at once presented with boss Andre Villas-Boas insisting American goalkeeper Brad Friedel was still Spurs’ number 1.

Lloris was handed a starting opportunity against Lazio in the Europa League last night, but for Barthez, who played for Manchester United, the 25-year-old should be appreciated properly at White Hart Lane.